Women's Asylum Project

This Welsh Refugee Council project is crucial to the lives of asylum seeking women in Wales who have been the victim of gender based violence. These women often have complex legal cases due to their gender specific issues. Gender specific forms of persecution include; sexual violence, rape, domestic violence, human trafficking, female genital mutilation, honour based violence, forced marriage, torture, and sexual orientation.

This group of women requires sensitive support and time to positively impact their asylum matter, as disclosure is difficult due to culture, shame, and disbelief. These women are entitled to legal aid for the first stage of the asylum process. However, this is limited and time restrained, which can often mean that they have not been given the time to open up and talk about the trauma they have been through. This trauma is at the heart of their claim, and revealing it has a substantial impact on their asylum claim.

For over 25 years, we have been speaking out on behalf of those who are fleeing persecution, conflict and oppression. We empower asylum seekers and refugees to build new futures in Wales and help create a society where respect and equality for all are paramount.